New Theatre: Overview

Better,
not Bigger

Everyman Theatre has artistically and financially outgrown its current home.

• The new theatre will increase from 175 to 250 seats, or about four new rows. This will preserve an intimate experience while increasing Everyman’s capacity. 
• For the first time ever, Everyman will have reserved seating.
• The theatre will be able to consolidate its operations. For the first time, there will be adequate room for on-site costume storage, set building, classrooms and office space. Rehearsals and education programs will now take place in-house, eliminating the need to spend money on rented space throughout the city.
• The new space will eliminate the challenges of architectural columns, low ceilings and restricted sight lines and seating that exist on North Charles—which was originally built as a bowling alley.
• Everyman will now have the capacity to extend and produce more plays. This will allow the theatre to increase revenue through earned income/ ticket sales.
• The building will meet “green” standards for LEED Silver certification.

Convenient Parking

• There will be reserved spaces in the parking garage located on Fayette and Eutaw directly across the street from the main entrance to the new theatre.
• Unlike Charles Street, safe parking will still be abundant, even when other events take place in the neighborhood.
• Patrons will walk in and out of the garage through an exit on Fayette, directly across the street from the front door.
• Metered parking is also available on the street.

Artistic Excellence

• The “footprint” of the theatre will be the same, but the ceiling will be higher to accommodate the lighting grid and allow for the larger, more complex sets. This will allow Everyman to choose from a broader range of plays, for example those that require two levels or stories.
• Everyman will continue its tradition of selecting shows, both classic and contemporary, that explore the human experience and are conducive to creating an intimate relationship between audience and actor.

Fully Accessible

• The new facility will be fully ADA compliant.
• There are no stairs on the first floor, except in the seating area.
• There will be an elevator to the second floor to access bathrooms.

Education and Community Engagement

• Everyman will continue and expand its high school matinee program that currently serves more than 1,000 students each year.
• There will be two classrooms in the new building to accommodate additional programs and community engagement activities.
• For the first time, all education programs will take place on-site.

Thriving New Neighborhood

• The Westside is a developing neighborhood that has among its assets a burgeoning arts community, including the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, H& H Galleries and The Hippodrome Theatre as well as a lively business environment including the University of Maryland Medical School. According to the 2010 census, downtown's Westside and city center were the fastest-growing residential neighborhoods in Baltimore over the past 10 years, outpacing even the waterfront.
• The Downtown Partnership has a significant presence in this area at all times and is making plans to reinvigorate Lexington Market.
• The Alewife Restaurant is located right next door for fine dining and an extensive selection of beer on tap.
• There is a Starbucks on the corner of Baltimore and Eutaw Streets.

Grand Opening Fall 2012

Everyman Theatre Capital Campaign

In April 2011 construction began on the renovation of Everyman Theatre’s future home at the former Town Theatre. The first phase of the construction includes three months of demolition and abatement followed by installation of structural framework for the new space. Renovation of the theatre is slated to be complete by the Fall 2012.

The theatre’s success has placed great strain on its physical infrastructure and Everyman’s rented home on North Charles Street has long been inadequate both artistically and operationally. For years, the Board of Directors searched for a permanent home that would support Everyman’s artistic goals and create opportunities for continued financial stability. There is no way to increase revenue without significantly raising ticket prices. Making tickets out of reach financially runs counter to Everyman’s mission. In 2006, through the generosity of Bank of America Development Corporation and the Harold A. Dawson Trust, Everyman received the major gift of the Town Theatre, located in the newly revitalized Westside of downtown Baltimore.

In 2006 the Board of Directors launched a $17.7 million Capital Campaign which has raised over $16 million to date and is ongoing. Funding sources for the Capital Campaign represent a healthy mix of public and private funding including individuals, foundations and businesses. Lead gifts have been provided by the Abell Foundation, Blaustein Philanthropic Group and France-Merrick Foundation with strong support from individual donors.